2240 Grande Blvd SE Suite 101 Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Bone Grafting for Dental Implant Success
Dental implants are often the best option for natural-looking teeth and optimal long-term oral health. But the success of a dental implant relies on having a strong, healthy jawbone to anchor it in. Bone grafting makes dental implant success possible even for patients who have experienced bone density loss — and these procedures can be completed right here at your local Rio Rancho dental office. If you have been told you don't have enough bone for an implant, a bone graft may be exactly what changes that.
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Why is Bone Grafting Necessary
The jaw bone exists primarily to support your teeth. When teeth are lost, the jaw bone quickly begins to atrophy — a process called resorption — because it is no longer being stimulated by a tooth root. Bone loss can also be caused by periodontal disease, injury, infection, and conditions like osteoporosis that affect bone density throughout the body.
Without sufficient bone density and bone growth activity, the metal post of a dental implant may not have adequate anchor material to integrate with — and the osseointegration process that secures the post permanently may not occur successfully.
Bone grafting supplements the existing bone to ensure a strong, stable foundation for dental implants — giving the implant post the material it needs to integrate fully and function like a natural tooth root for years to come.
Types of Bone Grafts
There are several types of bone grafting procedures, and the condition of your jaw bone and the location of future implants will determine which type Dr. Fife will perform. He will explain the process in detail during a pre-operative consultation so you understand exactly what is involved before any procedure begins.
Socket Preservation Graft
Also called an extraction site graft, this procedure is performed immediately after a tooth is extracted to preserve the bone at the site. By filling the empty socket with grafting material right away, we prevent the rapid bone loss that typically occurs after extraction and maintain the bone volume needed for a future implant.
Ridge Augmentation
When significant bone loss has already occurred and the jaw ridge has become too narrow or too short to support an implant, a ridge augmentation procedure rebuilds the bone volume in that area. This is the most common type of graft needed for patients who lost teeth some time ago and are now considering implants.
Sinus Lift
For implants in the upper back jaw, the sinus cavity can limit the available bone height. A sinus lift raises the sinus floor and adds bone grafting material beneath it, creating sufficient bone depth for implant placement in that region.
What to Expect During the Bone Grafting Procedure
All bone grafting procedures at Fife Dental Care are minimally invasive in-office surgeries, and the preparation for each is similar. To be ready for your bone grafting appointment, you should:
- Discontinue use of all tobacco products for at least 24 hours prior to the procedure
- Take any medications prescribed by Dr. Fife as directed
- Wear comfortable clothing on the day of the procedure
- Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home after the appointment — patients receiving oral conscious sedation should not drive themselves
Anxiety-Free Oral Surgery in Rio Rancho
Although bone grafting is a minimally invasive procedure, we understand how daunting it can sound — and we know that for many patients, the anxiety alone is enough to put off getting the dental care they need.
At Fife Dental Care, we want you to get the high-quality dental care you deserve without delay. We offer sedation treatment to ensure your comfort and relaxation throughout the procedure, and Dr. Fife takes the time to walk you through every step before anything begins so there are no surprises. Our goal is to make sure your bone grafting and dental implant procedures are as anxiety-free as possible — from the first consultation to the final restoration.
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Fife Dental Care is conveniently located in Rio Rancho, NM and welcomes patients from across the greater Albuquerque area, including Corrales, Bernalillo, Paradise Hills, and surrounding communities.